A last-gasp Alberto Paloschi header saw Serie A strugglers SPAL force a 1-1 draw with Inter.

Philippe Coutinho can bring something different to Barcelona, according to head coach Ernesto Valverde.

Bayern Munich strengthened their grip on the Bundesliga title race with a 3-0 win over Augsburg which extended their lead at the top of the table to six points.

Girona claimed a stunning 2-1 victory over Real Madrid to deal a major blow to the LaLiga champions' hopes of retaining their title.

Striker Simone Zaza was Valencia's hero once again as he snatched victory in a five-goal thriller at Real Sociedad in which both sides were reduced to 10 men.

Real Madrid boosted their hopes of catching Primera Division leaders Barcelona by thrashing struggling Getafe 5-1 with goals from Karim Benzema, Isco, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 2015/16 season so far could not really have gone any better for Barcelona’s fans, players or directors.

For the Dunph’s “a good player, not a great player”, now read Fergie’s “a great player but not world class”.

The Syrian refugee who was tripped at a border hotspot by a Hungarian journalist in an incident that generated global outrage arrived in Madrid yesterday hoping to rebuild his career and giving his family a new life.

When Southampton’s then-chief executive Nicola Cortese sacked Nigel Adkins in January 2013, it was described as a brutal and bizarre betrayal.

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique insists his side’s Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich is about far more than Pep Guardiola.

Real Madrid 3 Almeria 0: Real Madrid kept up the pressure on Primera Division leaders Barcelona by beating Almeria 3-0 at the Bernabau to return to within two points of their fierce rivals.

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique believes his team will be “unstoppable” in the Primera Division if they continue to reproduce the kind of performance which saw them thrash Getafe 6-0 on Tuesday night.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti believes tonight’s Champions League last-16 first leg against Schalke offers Cristiano Ronaldo a great chance to end his mini goal drought. 

European round-up

Turn away now if you are of a squeamish disposition — or suffer from DTS (dicky tummy syndrome).

Republic of Ireland Women’s team striker Stephanie Roche has been shortlisted alongside some of the biggest names in world football for the FIFA Goal of the Year award.

New Celtic signing Stefan Scepovic insists Parkhead was always his first-choice destination despite his apparent transfer U-turn.

LA LIGA

Someone will finally have to claim this season’s La Liga trophy next Saturday when Atletico Madrid travel to Barcelona’s Camp Nou.

A stoppage-time goal from Angel Lafita snatched a dramatic 2-2 draw for Getafe at Barcelona, which could prove fatal to the Catalan club’s hopes of retaining the Primera Division title.

Swansea last night sacked manager Michael Laudrup — with veteran defender Garry Monk charged with rallying the team for Saturday’s Welsh derby with Cardiff.

There comes a moment in every season when the tough have to get going.

It was foggy last Sunday lunchtime in suburban Madrid, but reporters at Getafe v Rayo Vallecano could still make out the well wrapped-up figure of Phil Neville sitting in the plusher seats directly in front of the press box.

West Brom have confirmed Pepe Mel as their new head coach on an 18-month contract.

“Barcelona on a roll...

European round-up

Gareth Bale has been ruled out of Real Madrid’s Champions League match against FC Copenhagen tomorrow because of a thigh problem.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez claims the club did not pay over the odds for Gareth Bale despite the Welshman costing a world-record fee.

Tottenham have agreed a deal to sign Valencia striker Roberto Soldado, subject to a medical.

Tottenham are closing in on the signing of Valencia striker Roberto Soldado, it is understood.

Fulham are set to complete the signing of Ghana international Derek Boateng.

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes paid tribute to opponents Freiburg for making them work hard for three points yesterday.

Bradford 0 Swansea 5

FOR a man often so assured, Alex Ferguson was oddly cautious.

Barcelona striker David Villa has left hospital after undergoing treatment on kidney stones, the Primera Division leaders have confirmed.

As expected the last week brought startling revelations of performance enhancing drug use in Spanish football.

Tired of drab Premier League polemics?

Lionel Messi celebrated another goalscoring milestone with four more last night as Barcelona demolished 10-man Osasuna 5-1 at the Nou Camp.